"It's a beautiful, sunny day to be here at the track, isn't it, Jugs?"
"Yes, beautiful day indeed! We can hear the lovely "roars" of our cars preparing for the race. And let's not forget the cheers of our fans!"
"As the bleachers are getting filled by our racing fans, and racers warming up the track, let us introduce ourselves first. My name is Jugs and my partner for today is Teddy."
"Yes, Jugs. Now, let's give a roll call of our racers for today. First up, we have the silver Ferrari Portofino, #44 Vhong "Suavé" Navarro... Look at that smooth turn!"
"And driving the green Lamborghini Veneno, we have "The Beast"! #23 Eric Tai!"
"We also have #11 Jhong "Venom" Hilario in his white Bentley Continental GT3. Now, this is Venom's first race in four years! We'll see in a bit if he still got the sting!"
"Our only rose among the thorns, riding the maroon Pagani Huayra, we have #16 Anne "Femme Fatal" Curtis!"
"She may be a newbie, but in the five races she's taken part in, she's always on the podium finish."
"Well, her nickname really suits her character. But will she still be able to be on top? Or she's going to have her first loss? We'll find out!"
"Oh! The highlight of today's race. Spectators are already familiar with that red Maserati GranTurismo. With a fresh win from Rally Finland, we have #14 Peter "The Surge" Jackstone!"
"Wow! Look at that! The crowd is going crazy!"
"We clearly have a fan favorite today. Well, I can't blame them. Jackstone here has made a name for himself in the industry. Like what he said in an interview, the racetrack is his playground."
Matapos ang ilang minuto ng warm up laps ng mga racers, nagtungo sila sa kani-kanilang pits para sa last-minute checking ng kanilang mga sasakyan bago nagtungo sa starting line. Pagtunog ng buzzer, agad na humarurot ang mga sasakyan.
Sa kabilang dako naman ng Pilipinas, katatapos lamang ng surgery at kasalukuyang naghuhugas ng kamay si Sandy.
BILLY: Finally, I can use the OR!
SANDY: Dr. Crawford, for your information, ngayon lang ako nagtagal sa OR... Tsaka I'm within the schedule naman ah.
BILLY: Oo, nagbibiro lang. Masyado ka kasing seryoso, Dr. Jackstone.
SANDY: Makareklamo ka kasi, akala mo naman ang bilis lang ng mga surgeries.
BILLY: (chuckles) By the way, you're husband's on fifth place... out of five.
SANDY: (looks at her watch) He'll be fine. Kakasimula palang. Mamaya, you'll see the Surge.
BILLY: Oh! Confident si Mrs. Jackstone.
SANDY: Of course. He finished first in Rally Finland.
BILLY: Oo nga pala. That was two weeks ago, right? Ba't ka nga pala hindi sumama sa kanya?
SANDY: I have five surgeries that week, may dalawang CS pa.
BILLY: Hmm... Pero have you been in one of his races?
SANDY: Oo naman. I watched like eight of it. Tatlo nung dating palang kami and lima nitong kasal na kami.
BILLY: He's been in hundreds of races. Walo palang napupuntahan mo?
SANDY: Most of it are outside the country.
BILLY: Tsk. Kaya hindi nasusundan si Karl Ignaz Jackstone eh.
SANDY: Grabe naman! My son is just three years old. Tama lang yun, 'no... Dun ka na nga! Hinihintay ka na nung pasyente mo.
BILLY: (laughs) Akala ko pa man din pag racecar drivers... mabilis, good at handling. Mukhang kumakambyo lang.
SANDY: Billy!! (laughs) Bahala ka nga dyan. Isusumbong kita sa bestfriend mo.
.
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.
.
"Ito na ba yun? Is this THE surge we're witnessing??"
"I think it is! Look at The Surge gaining on Suavé! Looks like Suavé's losing his cool."
"There goes Venom trying to block the Surge from surpassing him."
"Oh. The Surge is slowing down, giving a chance for the other racers to have distance and for Suavé to re-claim the third spot."
"Femme Fatale is still on the top, quite a distance from our other racers. And Suavé and the Beast are alternating in their spots."
"The Surge is in the innermost lane. What's he gonna do?"
As they were approaching the turn, mas diniinan pa ni Peter ang tapak sa gas pedal. Right before the turn, he stepped hard on the brakes and steers the wheel to the left for a quick turn before steering back to the right, making him drift in between Jhong and Anne.
"That was one of the smoothest drift I've seen since The Pedal Breaker in 1997!"
"It sure does, Teddy! And it's also a treat for our racing fans out there."
"Now our rankings are as follows: #16 Femme Fatale, #14 The Surge, #11 Venom, #23 The Beast, and #44 Suavé"
As expected, the crowd cheered as they witnessed that exhibit from Peter Jackstone. Peter quickly changed gear and stepped on the gas pedal once again to regain speed.
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Pagpasok sa cafeteria, nakita ni Sandy ang kanyang colleagues na busy sa pagkain at sa panonood. Nakita nya sa isang table doon ang kaibigan nyang nurse na si Ryan.
SANDY: Hey Ryan, mind if I join you?
RYAN: Ay sige lang, Doktora! Grabe, ate dok! Ang galing ng asawa mo.
SANDY: Ha?
RYAN: Ayun oh! (turo sa TV)
SANDY: Oh. Did the surge happen?
RYAN: Anong surge?
SANDY: Yung bigla syang bumilis at nag-overtake sa mga kalaban nya.
RYAN: Ah oo! May ginawa pa sya kanina, nagcheer yung mga tao dito. Di ko alam kung ano yung tawag.
BOBET: Drift, Nurse Ryan.
RYAN: Ay! Hi Chief!
SANDY: (nods) Chief.
BOBET: Pwede maki-upo?
SANDY: Sige po.
RYAN: Yun nga, ate Dok. Nagdrift sya paganun tapos...
Natutuwa nalang si Sandy sa kwento ng kasamahan dahil may matching hand gestures and sound effects pa ito. And at the same time, she felt proud sa asawa nya dahil sa mga papuri ng mga kasamahan at sa pagcheer ng mga ito sa panonood ng race sa TV.
RYAN: Pero ate Dok, paano kayo nagkakilala ni kuya racer? Ang layo ng trabaho nyo.
SANDY: I met him because of Dr. Crawford. We were in med school sa US. Billy then introduced me to his bestfriend, Peter. We went out first with Billy then it was followed by a few friendly dates up to the point where we just felt na we're feeling so much more than just friendship. I guess we clicked. Here we are, ten years later.
RYAN: Buti nagwork.
SANDY: Well, if you really love each other, things will work out. No matter how different you are, how busy you are.
BOBET: Dapat pala sa inyo ako nanghingi ng advice. Baka things worked out with me and my ex-wife.
SANDY: Iba yung sa inyo, Chief. You don't deserve her naman, 'no. Hindi ka nagkulang sa kanya, sya lang talaga yung di marunong makaappreciate ng efforts mo.
BOBET: (chuckles) Kaya paborito kita, Dr. Jackstone.
Nagulat sila nang biglang magsigawan ang mga tao sa cafeteria. Napatingin sila sa TV screen at nakita ang pagwawagayway ng racing flags, senyales na tapos na ang karera. The camera then panned to that familiar deep red Maserati. Bumukas ang pintuan nito at lumabas si Peter na nakablack tracksuit at black helmet.
RYAN: Congrats ate Dok!
Sandy immediately took her phone out and sent a text message to her husband.
To: Mr. Jackstone ❤
Congratulations, love!!! People were amazed when you did that drift and squeezed in between the Jhong and Anne.
Nakita ni Sandy sa TV na nakatanggal na ang helmet ni Peter at ngayon ay nakasuot na ng aviator sunglasses at hawak nito ang kanyang phone at napangiti sa nabasa nito.
From: Mr. Jackstone ❤
Thanks, my love! Another victory for you and Karl. Wait. How did you know about that? Did you watch?
To: Mr. Jackstone ❤
Yeah, some of it. I was at the OR a while ago. Pero nung medyo last part, we're having lunch sa cafeteria.
From: Mr. Jackstone ❤
I'm so glad you were able to watch 😊 Shall I pick you up later, Dr. Jackstone?
To: Mr. Jackstone ❤
No need. I'll just contact Mang Ben to pick me up. Baka pagkaguluhan ka pa. Sige na, I'll talk to you later. You have to do your interview pa.
P.S. You really look hot in that tracksuit and aviators 😘
From: Mr. Jackstone ❤
Okay. Keep watching, my love 😉
INTERVIEWER: Lastly, we have our champion, The Surge. Peter Jackstone! Hi Peter!
PETER: Hi.
INTERVIEW: How does it feel to, once again, win the race?
PETER: It felt good. I mean, these are all great racers. The race was a bit challenging but I'm happy I was able to bring home the trophy.
INTERVIEWER: You mentioned that your competitors are great racers.
PETER: (nods)
INTERVIEWER: Who among them was the toughest or you became intimidated?
PETER: To be honest, I would say it's Anne Curtis. I've watched her previous races and she really has the potential to be one of the biggest names in the racing world. And she really is one with the car, if you know what I mean. She drives her car flawlessly.
INTERVIEWER: Uh huh. And she has a great record.
PETER: Yeah, that one too.
INTERVIEWER: Okay, I want take too much of your time, Peter. But can we ask for a message for your supporters?
PETER: Yes, thank you to everyone who came to watch this race and those who are watching thru the television or via livestream. Thank you for your overwhelming support not just only for me but for the other racers as well. And to my little Karl Ignaz, Papa's victory is for you. Doktora, I'll see you later.
Peter pulls his aviators down and winks at the camera. He then shook hands with the interviewer before leaving.
A few hours later, habang hinihintay si Mang Ben ay naupo muna si Sandy sa doctor's lounge. A guard then knocked to get her attention.
GUARD: Good evening po, doktora. May naghahanap po sa inyo sa labas, asawa nyo daw po.
SANDY: (kunot noo) Anong itsura, kuya?
GUARD: Di ko po masyadong napansin kasi nasa loob po ng kotse. Binuksan lang po yung bintana saka kayo hinanap.
SANDY: Hmm... Anong kotse kuya?
GUARD: Pula po ma'am. Sports car.
SANDY: Ah, sige po.
Sandy took her bag and her coat. Nag-out na sya sa bundy clock. Paglabas nya sa pintuan ng ospital, natanaw na nya sa gilid ang kotse ng asawa.
PETER: Hi love! (kisses Sandy) I miss you.
SANDY: I told you not to fetch me.
PETER: I know kaya lang your boys want to spend time with you.
SANDY: Karl's here?
Sandy looked at the back seat and saw Karl pull down his blanket, revealing his cheeky grin.
KARL: Surprise mama!
SANDY: Hi baby! How's my baby boy?
KARL: Dada and I watched Lightning McQueen earlier and we also made snacks!
SANDY: Really? What did you eat?
KARL: CEREAAAAALS!
Sandy gave Peter a stern look and the latter mouthed "Sorry." They were about to leave nang may bumusina sa kanila. Tumapat sa side ni Peter ang nagmamaneho ng SUV.
PETER: Bro!
BILLY: What's up, bro? Congrats on the win earlier!
PETER: Thanks! Everything's fine with us. How's it going? How's your wife?
BILLY: Good, bro. She just came in today and Sandy checked on her. It's a baby girl, bro!
PETER: Wow! Congrats!
BILLY: Thanks!
SANDY: Love, Billy was saying something earlier.
BILLY: (laughs)
PETER: What is it?
SANDY: Ask him. Not me!
PETER: Bro! What is it you've been telling my wife?
BILLY: Akala ko pag racecar drivers, magaling. You know, good at handling, in-control. Kaso parang hindi ka ganun eh.
PETER: What do you mean?
BILLY: Di nasusundan yung inaanak ko eh. Parang kumakambyo ka lang lagi (laughs)
PETER: Oh really? (smirks) Have you asked Dr. Jackstone how it was when I go full throttle?
BILLY: Woah!
PETER: I do not only take her to places, I take her to heaven!
SANDY: Peter!
They kept laughing while Peter jokingly raises his middle finger to Billy, all hidden from Karl's sight.
PETER: Nako, Billy! Pasalamat ka't nandito yung anak ko. Kung hindi, baka may nasabi na ako sa'yo.
Both cars drove out of the hospital parking. Peter's car headed towards the direction of their family's favorite restaurant. Upon seeing the place, Karl excitedly sways his feet.
SANDY: Are you sure we're eating out tonight? Pwede naman tayo magpaluto nalang kayla yaya.
PETER: No, it's fine. Minsan lang naman 'to. And look at that kid. I already promised him that we'll eat here tonight.
SANDY: Okay. I'm just looking after you. Baka pagod ka na from the race earlier.
PETER: Balewala yung pagod na yun as long as I get to spend time with you two.
SANDY: Sus. Dami pang sinabi, naglalambing lang pala ang mister ko.
The couple's sweet moment was quickly interrupted by their son's voice.
KARL: Karl is hungry!
PETER: Oops. The boss has spoken.
Peter grabbed Sandy's hand and kissed it before getting out of the car. He opened the door for his wife and then went to the backseat to unbuckle their son from his carseat.
Mabilis na tumakbo ang bata papasok sa restaurant habang naiwang sumusunod sa kanya ang mga magulang. Si Sandy naman ngayon ay umangkla sa braso ni Peter.
PETER: Hm. Pagod ka na. Sorry, I shouldn't have made a promise to Karl.
SANDY: No, it's okay. I'm fine. Like what you said, minsan lang naman 'to.
All throughout their meal, their attention was all on Karl and his stories. As they were about to finish their dessert, Peter handed a small box to Sandy.
SANDY: What's this?
PETER: Open it. (smiles)
Binuksan ni Sandy ang box at nakita nya ang laman nito. Isa itong Swarovsky rose gold plated bracelet.
PETER: I know sa line of work mo, hindi ideal magsuot ng bracelet so I understand if hindi mo 'to susuotin everyday. Basta I bought it because I know it looks good on your wrist. Bagay sa'yo.
SANDY: Aww. Thanks, love. You didn't have to.
PETER: Minsan lang naman.
On their way home, kapansin-pansin ang pagiging tahimik ni Peter. Pinatulog lang nila ang kanilang anak bago nagtungo sa kanilang kwarto. It was Sandy's turn in using the shower when she realized something.
SANDY: Shit! How could I have forgotten?
Pagkatapos maligo, Sandy did her post-shower routine. Sinuot nya ang kanyang champagne-colored nighties at nagspray ng pabango bago sya lumabas ng banyo.
She saw her husband lying on the bed, on his side, using his phone. Hindi nito napansin ang kanyang paglabas dahil busy ito sa pagbabasa ng feedbacks ng mga tao sa naganap na karera kanina. To get his attention, she layed beside him and hugged him from behind.
SANDY: Busy?
PETER: I'm just looking at the photos from the race earlier.
SANDY: Sorry.
PETER: Hm?
SANDY: I forgot today's our anniversary.
Nilapag ni Peter ang kanyang phone sa bedside table at hinarap ang asawa. He looked at her first before responding.
PETER: It's okay. I understand na naging busy ka sa hospital and this isn't the first time naman na may nakalimot sa atin. Remember two years ago? I also forgot our anniversary.
Niyakap ni Peter si Sandy pero agad din syang kumalas sa yakap. Bahid sa mukha nito ang pagtataka.
SANDY: Why? What's wrong?
PETER: There's something different. What's that on your skin? Di yan yung lotion na ginagamit mo.
SANDY: Oil.
PETER: Oil?
SANDY: Oo. Para... sexy.
PETER: (smirks) Bakit may pa-oil ka dyan, Mrs. Jackstone?
SANDY: Let me make it up to you, Mr. Jackstone.
What started as a simple kiss ended up as a makeout session between the couple. Before they've gone any further, Peter stood up and shut the blinds on their bedroom windows. Sandy was just lying on the bed, looking at her husband as he takes off his shirt.
PETER: Mrs. Jackstone, just so you know... I may be fast, but tonight I'm going to take it slow.
SANDY: Mr. Jackstone is taking it slow tonight, huh?
PETER: Yes... but don't worry, I'll let you experience a different kind of surge.
The next morning, Peter woke up with his wife hugging him with her head against his chest. He gently caressed her hair before waking her up.
PETER: Good morning, love.
SANDY: (smiles) Good morning.
PETER: Slept well?
SANDY: Yeah. It was a goodnight's sleep. How about you, mister?
PETER: I did sleep well too. A bit tired but satisfying. I'm contented.
SANDY: Well, you better be. A few rounds isn't easy.
PETER: (smiles) I know.
SANDY: Oh. I'll check on Karl. Baka gising na.
PETER: He's already awake. Nakakain na rin ng breakfast. Yaya's watching them, don't worry.
Peter proceeded to kissing Sandy's shoulder. Just when things are starting to get intimate, Sandy stopped her husband and stood up.
SANDY: Let's just continue this some other time, love. I still have to prepare. I have a scheduled CS today at 10.
PETER: (sighs) Okay. I'll get ready na rin.
SANDY: May lakad ka?
PETER: Yeah. Just another day at the tracks pero practice run lang. Then, I have to take my boy to the auto shop.
SANDY: May sira yung kotse?
PETER: No. Papacheck ko lang yung gulong since overused kahapon. Better to be safe.
SANDY: Okay. Una na ako sa bathroom ha?
PETER: Yes, doc.
From: Bully Crawford
Bro! Busy ka today?
To: Bully Crawford
Hindi naman. Why?
From: Bully Crawford
Let's grab a drink later at the pub.
To: Bully Crawford
Sure, bro. Kailangan ko rin ng kausap.
From: Bully Crawford
Is everything okay?
To: Bully Crawford
Yeah. Just needed some bro talk.
From: Bully Crawford
Alright! See you later then!
Night came. Peter just rode a cab since he knows na he'll be drinking tonight. As he entered the pub, he saw his bestfriend waving at him. They sat by the bar and had beer with some light conversations.
BILLY: Let's move on to you naman. What's with the bro talk?
PETER: Wala. I just need your point-of-view as a family man working as a surgeon.
BILLY: Okay. Wait, is this about Sandy?
PETER: Given na you have a wife, and soon a daughter, how do you manage your responsibilities both as a family man and as a surgeon?
BILLY: Mahirap, bro. Minsan meron talagang aspect na nagsasuffer. Di maiiwasan, maraming patients, nagtagal yung isang surgery, o kaya naman may emergency doon sa isang pasyente. Minsan yung family time, nababawasan din.
PETER: How does Coleen feel about that?
BILLY: She understands naman pero I know she feels sad lalo na if I miss our TV night o kaya naman if I cancel one of our dates.
PETER: You know because she told you or naramdaman mo lang?
BILLY: Nararamdaman ko kasi alam ko sa sarili ko na may pagkukulang din ako.
PETER: Buti ka pa nakakaramdam. Yung asawa ko, sa dami ng surgeries na ginawa nya, feeling ko nakakasagap na rin sya ng anesthesia eh.
BILLY: Bakit naman? Wala ba syang pakialam sa'yo?
PETER: Hindi naman sa wala kaya lang masyado syang focused sa trabaho nya na nawawalan na sya ng atensyon sa'kin... sa amin.
BILLY: You two seem fine naman kagabi when I saw you.
PETER: Parang lang. She forgot it was anniversary yesterday pero bumawi naman sya. Kaninang umaga, back to doctor mode na ulit sya. I feel like I'm losing my wife to her job.
BILLY: Have you suggested you guys taking a break? Magbakasyon kayo kahit one week lang or kahit over the weekend lang.
PETER: I opened up about that kaya lang "Peter, alam mo ang nature ng trabaho ko.", "Hindi pwede, love, may schedule ako ng surgery". Laging ganun.
BILLY: If she can't leave, bakit hindi mo isakay sa getaway car mo at magspend kayo ng alone time?
PETER: As if it was that easy. Gusto mo bang mabulyawan ako ng asawa ko?
BILLY: Edi bawian mo nalang sa bahay nyo. Your next race is in two months pa di ba? Sa two months na yun, be a house husband. Prepare meals for her, set kayo ng TV night where you just cuddle and watch a series or a movie, have a playdate with Karl. There are many ways you can make things work, Peter. Nasa sa'yo lang yan kung paano mo gagawin at paano mo sisimulan.
From: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
Love, I'm home na. Where are you?
BILLY: Oh, hinahanap ka na ng misis mo.
To: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
At the pub. I'm with Billy.
From: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
How are you going to get home? Do you want me to send Mang Ben there?
To: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
No need. I can ride a cab naman. Don't worry about me. I'll be home in a bit. Magpahinga ka na so you're ready for your day tomorrow.
From: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
Are you sure?
To: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
Yes.
From: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
Okay, ingat ka. I love you.
To: Mrs. Jackstone ❤
Love you too.
BILLY: Jeez! Ang cold mo dun, bro!
PETER: Modus operandi lang ulit yun.
BILLY: (laughs) What's that called? Sandy made that up back in the US pa.
PETER: "Galit galit para makahalik"
BILLY: (laughs) Loko ka talaga! Ikaw rin naman kasi, wag mo na masyadong painitin yung makina, paandarin mo na agad!
A couple of weeks later, pahinga ngayon ni Peter mula sa kanyang practice runs. Pero as usual ay kailangan nyang i-drive ang kanyang kotse everyday para na rin i-monitor ang overall status ng kotse.
Peter was well-groomed as usual. Nakabrush up ang buhok nito, nakablack jeans, white shirt at brown leather jacket. Nakasabit din sa kanyang damit ang kanyang aviator shades.
PETER: Good morning, my little Karl!
KARL: Good morning, dada!
Peter played with Karl for a little while. Kinarga pa nya ito at na parang pinapalipad.
KARL: Higher dada!
Nang taasan ni Peter ang buhat sa anak ay bigla itong natakot at parang naiiyak na.
KARL: Dada, it's scary!
PETER: Don't be scared, anak. Dada will always be here, okay? I will guide you.
Maya-maya pa ay bumaba si Sandy at nakita nya ang kanyang mag-ama na naglalaro. She secretly took a picture of them before letting them know she's there.
SANDY: Looks like my boys are having fun.
KARL: Mama!
SANDY: Hi baby! (kisses Karl's cheek) Oh, you're sweaty na. Go ask yaya to change your clothes.
Binaba ni Peter ang anak at saka ito tumakbo papunta sa kanyang yaya. Naiwan sa living room ang mag-asawa.
SANDY: Ang gwapo ng mister ko ngayon ah. Saan lakad?
PETER: Wala lang. Just going to drive around in the new car.
SANDY: Bakit di nalang yung Maserati yung gamitin mo? Kailangan ba talaga yung bago sa upcoming race mo?
PETER: Unfortunately, yes. My boy didn't meet the qualifications for that race. Ayoko naman magback out because of that kaya I decided to buy this car nalang para makasali.
SANDY: How was it? Sabi mo kahapon, masyadong matigas yung pedals.
PETER: I oiled it last night. So ngayon ko machecheck if umayos na.
SANDY: Sige. Ingat ka ha?
PETER: I will.
SANDY: Bumyahe ka na ngayon para makabalik ka rin ng maaga. I have no surgeries today kaya we could have some family time later.
PETER: Oh. Okay, I'll be home for that. I love you, my beautiful wife. (kisses Sandy on the lips) I love you, best OB-Gyn surgeon in the world (kisses Sandy on her forehead)
SANDY: Bolero.
PETER: No, I'm not. It's just that this Am-Boy is truly, madly, deeply in love with the kulot doctor who's no longer kulot but still the same lovely person she is. Always remember that, I love you doktora kulot.
SANDY: It's been a while since you last called me that.
PETER: Wala. Namiss ko lang.
SANDY: Sige na. I love you too. Ingat ka.
PETER: Mahal na mahal kita, Mrs. Jackstone. Karl Ignaz!
Muling tumakbo pabalik si Karl papunta kay Peter. Niyakap at binuhat ni Peter ang anak. Pinupog nya ito ng halik na syang nagpatawa sa bata.
PETER: Always be a good boy ha?
KARL: Yes dada!
PETER: I love you!
KARL: I love you too, dada!
PETER: Teka nga. Yaya!
YAYA: Yes sir?
PETER: Papicture naman kaming tatlo. (abot phone)
YAYA: Sige po, sir. (hawak sa phone) Okay po, 1, 2, 3 smile! Isa pa po. 1, 2, 3 smile!
PETER: Ayan. Thank you!
SANDY: Bat naman may papicture pa?
PETER: Wala lang. Felt cute, might delete never.
SANDY: Nagpapakamillenial ang asawa ko.
PETER: Cute kaya nating tatlo dito. Parang super happy natin.
Hinatid ni Sandy at Karl si Peter hanggang sa gate at bago umalis ay nagflying kiss pa si Peter sa pamilya bago bumusina at umandar palayo.
Nang masigurong nakalayo na talaga si Peter, gumayak na si Sandy at bumyahe patungo sa ospital. After checking on her post-op patients, nagtungo sa laboratory si Sandy at nagpagawa ng tests. Naging mabilis lang ito kaya nakuha rin nya agad ang resulta. Sunod nyang pinuntahan ang clinic ng isang colleague nya.
DR. PADILLA: Congratulations, Sandy! May kapatid na si Karl.
SANDY: I knew it! Thanks, Mariel.
DR. PADILLA: Kaya pala you're glowing. Akala ko dahil lang di ka stressed. Yun pala pregnancy glow na.
SANDY: I'm excited to tell Peter.
DR. PADILLA: Sana girl naman yan para may isang pares na kayo.
SANDY: Oo nga.
DR. PADILLA: I'm excited for the name. Ang witty nyo pa man ding mag-asawa. You combined both your passion sa name ni Karl.
SANDY: (nods) Karl Benz, patented the first practical automobile. And Ignaz Semmelweis, you know him.
DR. PADILLA: Yes, "savior of mothers" because of his antiseptic procedure.
SANDY: We already have a name na rin before nung di pa namin alam gender ni Karl. We thought of Clara Denise. After Clara Barton, founder of American Red Cross. And Denise McCluggage, the first female driver to win the feature sports-car event in Connecticut.
DR. PADILLA: Ay sana nga girl na yan!
Patayo na si Sandy sa kanyang kinauupuan nang sumabit ang suot nyang bracelet na naging dahilan ng pagkapigtas nito. The heart got separated from the circle attached to it. She had a weird gut feeling about that.
DR. PADILLA: Hey Sandy, are you okay? Maupo ka muna ulit.
SANDY: I don't know, Ma. Bigla akong kinabahan.
As if on cue, nagring ang phone ni Sandy. It was Peter. She immediately answered it.
SANDY: Hello, Love?
PETER: Hey, Love.
SANDY: Where are you? Okay ka lang ba? Did something happen?
PETER: Whoa. How did you know? Ang lakas ng instinct mo ah.
SANDY: Just answer me please.
PETER: Hey calm down. First and foremost, I'm fine. I'm here at the side of the highway. Hindi kumagat yung brakes kaya nabangga ako---
Mariel showed a photo of the accident posted by Peter himself on his social media account.
"peterjackstone: went out for a test run/practice and this happened. I'm fine but my car isn't #lastminutecarshopping #TheSurgeForDaytona500"
SANDY: May masakit ba sa'yo? Or may sugat ka ba? Bali? How's your head? Your back, does it hurt? May chest pain ka ba?
PETER: Kalma lang, love. I immediately got out of the car in one piece. Walang naputol, walang bali, walang masakit. Except for the bruises. But other than that, I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry.
SANDY: Malapit ka lang ba dito sa hospital?
PETER: Medyo. I'm three kilometers away.
SANDY: Pumunta ka dito. Mahirap na, baka there's some serious injury internally.
PETER: Love, I told you. I'm fine. There's no tenderness in my abdomen.
SANDY: That's not how it works, love.
PETER: That's what I usually hear on medical dramas. (chuckles) I'm heading home now. Remember our TV night tonight, okay?
SANDY: No, please. Love, punta ka na dito sa hospital.
PETER: (sighs) Okay. But I'm telling you, I'm not hurt.
SANDY: If you say so. Pero it's better to have you checked immediately.
PETER: Alright. Ipapabalik ko nalang muna sa bahay 'tong kotse then I'll just ride a cab to get there. Okay?
SANDY: Sige. Basta pumunta ka na dito as soon as possible.
Habang nag-aayos ng gamit sa office si Sandy, may isang med intern na pumasok sa opisina nya at mukhang hingal na hingal.
INTERN: Dr. Jackstone, sorry to interrupt. But there's an emergency sa ER. Car accident. One of the passengers is a pregnant woman.
Upon hearing that, binaba ni Sandy ang kanyang mga gamit at kinuha ang kanyang coat. Sumama sya sa intern na magpunta sa emergency room.
INTERN: Jean Lopez, 33-year old female, she's 36 weeks pregnant. She's suspected of having concussion. Lab tests were already done and requested. The results are expected to be there in a few minutes. Dr. Vidanes asked for you to check on the patient first before taking the next step.
After assessing the patient and examining the results of all tests requested, Sandy finally came to the decision of doing emergency C section to the patient to save both the baby and the expectant mother.
The hospital was slowly getting calm as the patients involved in the accident were already being attended by the doctors and nurses. Until another team of paramedics came in. There were a few media people that's why the guards were forced to push them. Upon hearing that, Sandy rushed to the emergency room to see who's the patient being wheeled in.
to be continued...
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A/N: HELLO!!! Sorry ulit at ang tagal. Anyway, here's the first part of Surge. I had to divide it into two parts kasi ang haba nya 😅 Anyway, those who ordered #ViceRylleAnthology, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Doon sa mga hindi nakahabol, ang alam ko may isa pa yatang batch(?) and check nyo nalang yung Facebook and Twitter page for updates.
Leave a comment and/or send a feedback/suggestions here or on Twitter (vicerylleland).
Thank you!